as in bought
made beforehand in large numbers she chose to have her computer designed to her specifications rather than buying an off-the-shelf machine

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of off-the-shelf Despite its new tech, the jet will also use off-the-shelf parts to reduce costs and eliminate the need to develop existing technology. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2025 Kinetic defeat bolsters system The latest system can protect military installations as commercial, off-the-shelf drones continue to evolve in complexity and threaten military and civilian safety & disrupt operations. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2025 The availability of off-the-shelf software tools means that providing a fully customizable benefits offering is now possible for companies of all sizes. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Nokia has adapted a commercial off-the-shelf product for the lunar environment, customizing and integrating it to meet the needs of lunar missions. IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-the-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-shelf
Adjective
  • The chain said that refunds would be available to patrons who had pre-bought tickets.
    Patrick Frater, Variety, 14 July 2022
  • Cineplex has also begun offering refunds to all customers that pre-bought tickets for upcoming film screenings.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2022
Adjective
  • The National Retail Federation expects U.S. online and non-store sales this year to grow as much as 23% from 2020, to roughly $1.13 trillion, the trade group said in June.
    Angus Loten, WSJ, 27 Oct. 2021
  • And online and other non-store sales are expected to increase between 10% and 12%.
    Ivana Pino, Fortune, 20 Dec. 2022

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Cite this Entry

“Off-the-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-shelf. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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